Head of Production

Head of Production

Buxton Opera House Closing date: Mon, 06 Jul 2026

Artform: Theatre
Role: Technical & Production
Contract: Permanent
North West
  • Full time
  • £40k-£50k

Fri, 29 May 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the technical function at Buxton Opera House, ensuring it delivers against our ambitious vision and strategic goals.

Job Description

Working closely with the CEO and a range of internal and external stakeholders, you will lead a skilled technical team, ensuring the department operates efficiently, maintains the highest presentation
standards, and meets all current Health and Safety requirements.

As Head of Production, you will oversee the technical delivery of all home-produced work, touring shows, events, and Learning and Engagement projects, ensuring every aspect is delivered to the
highest possible standard. You will also set the direction for the technical department, ensuring its strategy is fully aligned with the wider organisational vision.

You will play a key role in the development of capital projects, contributing technical and production expertise to wider organisational planning. Alongside this, you will take ownership of departmental and production budgets, supporting the successful delivery of a diverse and ambitious programme.

We are looking for an experienced technical theatre professional, ideally from a producing theatre environment, with a strong track record in leading teams and delivering technical and production
strategies within an arts organisation.

Job Requirements

Technical Delivery

Ensure all technical and production elements across programmed work, productions, participation activity, and commercial events are delivered to the highest standards, on time and
within budget.

Implement and oversee effective backstage systems, including get-ins/outs, set build/strike, rigging, lighting, sound, AV, staging, and flying across all spaces

Work with the producers to plan and manage production schedules, ensuring efficient delivery of the programme

Oversee the operation of the Pavilion Arts Centre as a multi-arts venue

Lead on show advances and liaise with visiting companies, delegating effectively to Technical Managers and the Production Administrator

Ensure safe and efficient stage operations during get-ins, get-outs, and performances

Job Responsibilities

Health & Saftey

Lead all technical Health and Safety compliance across Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre, ensuring robust risk assessments, safe systems of work, and full adherence to legislation

Ensure visiting companies and contractors are properly inducted, understand all venue procedures, and provide appropriate risk assessments and method statements, with hazards clearly communicated

Establish and maintain effective systems for managing Health and Safety documentation and compliance (e.g. contractor forms and Blue Lemon records)

Work closely with the Head of Operations, RB Solutions, High Peak Borough Council, and contractors to oversee safe delivery of all production activities, including permits to work

In co-ordination with Head of Operations and Maintenance Manager, oversee planned and reactive maintenance, inspections, and statutory compliance for all technical equipment and
systems, ensuring accurate record keeping

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Head of Production
  • Salary: £40k-£50k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Theatre
  • Role: Technical & Production
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Location:
    North West
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Head of Production

Job: Head of Production

Organisation: Buxton Opera House

Postcode: SK17 6AZ

How to Apply

We’d love to hear from you! To apply, please send your CV, along with a covering letter
detailing:

• Why you’re interested in this role
• The key skills and experience you would bring to the position

Email your application to [email protected].

Deadline for Applications: Monday 6 July, 5pm

If you would like to find out more about the role before applying, please contact Barry Hope,
Head of Production, on [email protected] for an informal conversation.

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. You may not
meet every criterion listed, and that’s okay . If you have some relevant experience and a motivation to
learn and grow, we encourage you to apply.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your application!